Jennifer Madge

Jennifer Madge holds both a BM and MM in Violin Performance from Duquesne University, where she studied on full scholarship. For over 30 years, she has been a tenured member of the Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Orchestras. Jennifer is also the owner of The Pittsburgh Music Academy, Inc., which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026.

As a certified Suzuki violin teacher who has completed all available units, she has coached hundreds of students, many through all ten volumes of the repertoire. Her students have earned leadership roles in youth orchestras and gone on to pursue successful musical careers. In addition to teaching, she freelances throughout the region, performing with orchestras such as the Wheeling Symphony and Youngstown Symphony, and has appeared in performances with Mannheim Steamroller and on Andrea Bocelli’s recent stadium tour.

How did you first start playing with Radiant Strings?

I started playing with Radiant Strings during the 2021 season as a substitute musician and was officially asked to join the team in 2023.

What makes Radiant Strings special to you?

I am proud to have been Nicole’s [Radiant Strings founder] first violin teacher and one of her mom’s colleagues in her group, Crystal Strings. It is an honor to be hired by a student who not only became professional, but also amazingly successful. It is deeply rewarding as a teacher and mentor to know that this is something truly special in Pittsburgh.